Yes, I’m the mom who asks about firearms, pets, and the household dynamics before allowing my child to go over for a playdate. Now, I’m also inquiring about Covid-19 precautions with families I’m just getting to know.
To clarify, this isn’t just a casual question to see if we align politically. It’s a matter of public health. If you think otherwise, you’ve already revealed a lot about your perspective.
I firmly believe in science and public health initiatives. Everyone has the right to make choices for their families, as long as those choices don’t put others at risk. You can believe and act as you wish, but… the right to choose doesn’t mean unrestricted freedom. There are conditions attached.
In my professional experience within healthcare, I’ve seen that employees are expected to get an annual flu shot. In one facility, I could opt to wear a mask if I declined vaccination, while in another, I was told to seek employment elsewhere unless I had a specific exemption. The choice was mine, but the rules were clear.
Similarly, we all have choices during this pandemic. Just as we have laws regarding seat belts, vaccinations for school entry, and smoking bans in public areas, mask and vaccine mandates are measures designed to curb the spread of a virus that has tragically taken over 649,867 lives in the U.S. Some may feel restricted, but ultimately, participation comes with responsibilities.
It’s akin to a workplace dress code—you might dislike it, but your opinion won’t change HR’s policies. I’d love to wear jeans and sandals to work, but I prioritize having a job over my wardrobe.
When it comes to playdates (or “hangouts,” as my tween calls them), I’ll be asking some specific questions. How many kids will be attending? If it’s a group of six girls who love to hug and share snacks in a close indoor setting, I’ll pass. I never thought chickenpox parties were wise, and having a gathering during a Covid surge feels similar. If it’s an outdoor playdate, just one friend, parents mention masking, or maybe even a negative Covid test at the door, I might reconsider.
Earlier this summer, I felt differently. We briefly unmasked in June when infection rates seemed promising, but we quickly returned to masks as numbers soared.
Our family hasn’t isolated completely; both my husband and I have continued to work in hospitals and clinics throughout the pandemic. We opted for in-person schooling as soon as it was available and kept our kids involved in sports when facilities reopened. We’re navigating the world while prioritizing safety. My husband, son, and I are vaccinated, and I’m eagerly waiting for my youngest to be eligible. Until then, we’re doing our best.
Vaccines aren’t foolproof, but the evidence shows that the risks associated with vaccine side effects are far less severe than those of contracting Covid-19. The Delta variant is more contagious and poses a heightened risk to children now compared to earlier in the pandemic. If I can shield my kids from severe outcomes like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), why wouldn’t I? Masks aren’t perfect either; their effectiveness can vary based on many factors, but surely some protection is better than none.
So, if I ask about masking or vaccination status, please don’t take offense. Your feelings about my inquiries matter less to me than the health and safety of my children.
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Summary:
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, I, as a cautious parent, will be asking important questions before my child attends playdates. This includes inquiries about the number of attendees, vaccination status, and mask policies. I firmly believe in prioritizing public health and safety, especially given the risks posed by the virus and its variants. My goal is to protect my children’s well-being while still allowing them to engage socially, navigating these decisions with care and consideration.
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